J. Craig Venter Keynote Speaker at International Biotechnology Convention

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO; Washington, DC, USA) announced the addition of J. Craig Venter, Ph.D. to the 2008 BIO International Convention keynote speaker lineup.

The global event for biotechnology will take place June 17-20, 2008, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA, USA. "We are excited and honored to have Dr. Venter at the 2008 BIO International Convention to share with us his insights and experience as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century,” said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. "His pioneering research in genomics and alternative energy sources is making a tremendous impact on our industry.”

Dr. Venter's presentation, From Reading to Writing the Genetic Code,” will highlight the ways in which his early successes in genomics are now being used to lead the way toward developments in advanced biofuels through his cutting-edge use of tools and techniques in synthetic genomic research. Dr. Venter will explore how this innovative scientific research will benefit society and the biotechnology industry, as well as create unlimited new frontiers to explore in the areas of biofuels, environmental protection, and healthcare.

Dr. Venter is founder and president of the J. Craig Venter Institute, a not-for-profit, research organization with more than 400 scientists and staff dedicated to human, microbial, plant, synthetic, and environmental genomic research, as well as to the exploration of social and ethical issues in genomics. The institute is located in Rockville, MD, USA, and in La Jolla, CA, USA. Dr. Venter is also founder and president of Synthetic Genomics Inc., a privately held company developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global energy and environmental challenges.

In 1998, Dr. Venter founded Celera Genomics to sequence the human genome, using the whole-genome shotgun technique, new mathematical algorithms, and automated DNA-sequencing machines. The successful completion of this research culminated in the publication of the human genome in February 2001. He and his team at the Venter Institute continued this work and published the first complete diploid genome in 2007.

The BIO International Convention will highlight how biotechnology, the life sciences, investments, policy, and the international community work together to heal, fuel, and feed the world. The BIO International Convention helps to support the association's programs and initiatives. BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of improving the world through biotechnology innovation.

BIO represents more than 1200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers, and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held worldwide.


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